A Teacher's Key Role in Tutoring Success

If you've been tutoring all summer, it may be tempting to reduce (or even discontinue) those sessions once the new school year begins. But in reality, the start of a new academic year is the perfect time to re-examine, refine — and, yes, even redouble your tutoring efforts.

Why? One simple reason: You're now in a position to open lines of communication with your child's teacher(s), and that rapport can give you an excellent idea of what your child knows, what he needs to know, and what is being required of him in the classroom. By meeting regularly with your child's teachers, you can make certain that he is receiving the academic support he needs at home.

When you meet with your child's teacher (one-on-one sessions are best, although you may also be able to have a good conversation during an open-house night), ask the following questions:

1. What are the students learning right now? This question may seem obvious, but it's also hugely important. After all, how many times have you asked your child the question "What are you learning in school?" . . . only to receive the answer: "Stuff." Your child's teacher can share with you the concepts that are being taught, and give you insight into what lies ahead in the school year.

2. In what areas does my child excel? Remember, a report card can only tell you so much. You may know that your child has an "A" in English and an "A+" in social studies, but these great grades don't necessarily give you insight into why your child is so skilled in certain subject areas. Her teacher can elaborate upon her academic strengths — superb research skills, for example, or an ability to synthesize information — so that you can continue to build upon these areas of excellence in tutoring sessions.

3. In what areas might my child need extra help? Again, a report card only tells part of the story. A "D" in biology can be discouraging to your child, but what's even more discouraging is if he doesn't have a clear strategy for improving that grade. Your child's teacher most likely has a good idea why he is not succeeding in a certain course. To take our biology example a step further, your child's "D" may be related to his struggle with following experimental steps (rather than related to a misunderstanding of core concepts). If this is the case, it's far better to tutor him in sub-subjects (in other words, skills related to broader academic areas) than to needlessly repeat information that he already knows.

These are just three questions to get the conversation started. As the academic year progresses, revisit these discussions. A strong relationship with your child's teacher can give you an exceptional understanding of her tutoring needs.

If you need to find a tutor who can help your child excel in the new school year, check out the many excellent tutors that are listed here.